Green Schools

GREEN SCHOOLS NEWS

Coláiste na Sceilge has obtained two Green School flags one for Litter and on for Energy Conservation. Our Green School Committee comprises of students from First Year to Fifth Year and our caretaker and cleaners play an important part too. Our role is to ensure we retain our flags by continually monitoring our bins and reminding our students to dispose of their waste in the correct bins provided around the school. BLUE BINS for paper/cardboard, PLASTIC BAG for empty bottles and cans and GREY BIN for all other waste. To ensure that all lights and computers are turned off (not left on stand -by) wasting electrical energy.

We are currently researching facts and figures regarding water conservation as this will be relevant to us all with the up- coming water charges in 2015.

Here are some Home Energy Tips That Save You Money

Hot Water
Of course it should be hot, but it doesn’t need to be scalding. For most people, setting the cylinder thermostat at 60°C/140°F is fine for bathing and washing. This can save up to €15 per year.

Light bulbs
If you use a particular light for an average of four hours or more a day, then replace it with an energy-saving equivalent – which will use around a quarter of the electricity and last up to 12 times longer. Each energy efficient bulb fitted could give you an estimated saving of €10.50 off your energy bill per year.

Kettles
Heat the amount of water you really need and if you’re using an electric kettle, make sure you cover the elements.

Heating
Turning the thermostat down by just 1°C can cut as much as 10% off your heating bills.
You can also save on running costs by heating your home for an hour less each day.

Television, Hi-Fi and Computers
Switch off your TV, video and Hi-Fi at the set. Standby can use as much as 10%-60%of the electricity that would be used by the device if it was switched on.

Appliances
When purchasing kitchen appliances such as fridges, freezers, dishwashers and washing machines, opt for a more energy efficient appliance. An EU Energy Label should be displayed (A to G Scale) on appliances for sale in order to help you make a choice, “A” being the most efficient and “G” being the worst guzzler for energy.

Tumble Driers
Tumble driers are energy guzzlers so try to use washing lines or airers.
Don’t put very wet clothing into the dryer, make sure you wring clothing out or spin dry again to help use less energy.

Fridges/Freezers
These are the most hardworking appliances in the home.
Avoid putting Warm or Hot Foods in the fridge, let them cool down first.
Don’t leave the Fridge or Freezer door open, this means the fridge uses more energy to cool itself back down due to the cool air lost opening the door.

Switching Energy SupplierIn the current rising trend of energy prices it could well be worth shopping around to save money on your energy bills, further discounts are available if you switch both gas & electricity to the same supplier. It is a simple process and there is no disruption to your existing energy supply.